Hey guys! I'm back. This chapter will be starting the Sinnoh leg of the journey, which means a few reunions for the group. There will be some songs here as well. Strap in folks, this is probably gonna be a long one, with a good bit of fluff cuz I'm a sucker for that. With that out of the way, let's jump right in.
Petalburg City, 1 day after Andrew's Victory
Andrew walked out of his room, Leaf and Giselle hanging off his arms, to see the everyone else waiting for him in the lobby. Also there were Max, Caroline, and Norman. "Congratulations Andrew!" said Max as he hugged the older trainer. "Thanks Max," said Andrew as he smiled warmly. "Congratulations" said Norman as he shook Andrew's hand, Andrew wincing a little as he felt his hand get crushed by the much stronger man.
"So Andrew can I see your legends?" Max asked excitedly. "Sure thing Max," said Andrew. Max's eyes lit up as he dashed outside, Norman and Caroline looking at each other confused.
Out on the field Andrew gathered all the Cherish Balls and hurled them skyward, "Come out and say hi guys!" Max's jaw dropped as Articuno, Regigigas, Latios, Meloetta, Uxie, Mespirit, and Darkrai appeared, stars in his eyes as he inspected each of them, the legendaries staring curiously at the boy. Max was slightly hesistant to go up to Regigigas however, he would never forget the thrashing the Colossal Pokemon had given him. "They're so cool!" Max yelled as he looked like a kid on Christmas Day.
"I'm certain I'll be catching a few more," Andrew laughed, "and here comes number eight" as Cresselia gracefully swooped in, landing next to the blonde. "It's good to see you Cresselia, I've been expecting you" said Andrew as Cresselia nuzzled the trainer. Andrew then took out a Cherish Ball and captured the legendary Psychic type, stunning the Maples.
"D-did Andrew just capture a legendary without a battle?" Norman asked, not believeing what he saw. Almost instantly, Dawn and Miette had tackled him, begging him to let them use the graceful Psychic type in their respective competitions. Andrew laughed and reminded them that they could as long as the graceful Pokemon was fine with it. "Thank you so much Andrew!" squealed the two bluenettes as they kissed Andrew on the cheek.
After a few more minutes, Andrew and the gang boarded the ferry for Sinnoh and said their goodbyes.
3 days later, 5 miles off the coast of Sinnoh
Andrew stood on the deck of the ship as it made its final approach to Twinleaf Town. On the deck with him were Torterra, Luxray, Roserade, and Staraptor, as well as Lucas, Barry, Dawn, and their starters.
"There it is guys, home" Andrew said excitedly The group nodded in agreement, it was great to be back in their home region.
"So Andrew, what's first?" asked Dawn as she snuggled up to Andrew. "Well my sapphire since we're docking in Twinleaf I was planning on paying your mom a visit. This caused the bluenette to perk up, "Thank you so much Andrew! I've been wanting to see mom for a while now, I didn't really get to see her last time I was here.
A few hours later and the group had made landfall and were now headed towards Dawn's house. The bluenette noticed her lover had a nervous look on her face, "What's wrong sweetie?" she asked. Lucas and the others also look concerned for their friend. "I'm fine guys, I'm just worried what Johanna will think of our 'arrangement'". Dawn simply hugged her boyfriend, "Andrew there's no need to worry, my mom trusts you, she wouldn't have let you travel to Hoenn with me if she didn't. Plus she's understanding. Once she sees that we love each other she'll be fine with it." Andrew felt better at hearing his blue-haired girlfriend's catchphrase. "You're right Dawn, things will be alright."
As Dawn knocked on the door, a voice was heard, "Coming!". Out stepped a beautiful woman no older than forty. "DAWN! It's so good to see you sweetie!" said Johanna as she enveloped her daughter into a tight hug.
"Mom...can't...breathe!" Dawn managed to get out.
"Sorry honey, I've just missed you so much," said the mother as she surveyed the large group, her eyes narrowing as she saw Andrew, something he noticed.
"Hello Johanna, it's been a while" said Andrew, extending his hand out, which Johanna shook. "It has Andrew" she said smiling, though Andrew had a gut feeling that it was fake. "So Dawn, what are you doing here?" asked Johanna. "Well Mom we just arrived in Sinnoh and we decided we'd spend the night here before we head out and continue our journey. Andrew's taking on all the leagues again" explained Dawn. Andrew gulped when he saw Johanna slightly wince at his name.
"Well shit, not even 10 minutes in and I've already pissed her off. I'm screwed" thought Andrew as everyone else went inside. As Andrew was about to enter Johanna stopped him.
"Alright Andrew, I know all about this little 'arrangement' you and those girls made and while I don't agree with it, I'm willing to tolerate it for now. But there is to be absolutely no funny business in this house and I swear to Arceus himself I will hunt you down and castrate you if you ever break my Dawn's heart." Andrew went white as a sheet, "Y-Yes ma'am" he said, visibly terrified. Seeing that she had thoroughly scared him, Johanna's demeanor did a complete turn around. Smiling warmly, she gestured inside, "Now come in, you must be starving."
Andrew needed no further encouragement as he almost bolted inside, sitting next to Dawn on the couch. Dawn noticed how pale her lover looked and facepalmed. "Mom gave you a talking to huh? Did she threaten to castrate you?" Andrew simply shivered, causing the girl to sigh. Putting her hand on Andrew's shoulder, she looked at her boyfriend, "No need to worry Andrew, she's done this to every boy who's expressed an interest in me. Kenny got the same treatment." Andrew chuckled at her catchphrase, then groaned. "What's wrong?" asked the bluenette.
"Fucking hell I forgot about Kenny." "What about him?" "You do realize he has a crush on you the size of that Wailord I fought right? When he sees you're with me he'll go ballistic."
"Crap, you're right. If I know Kenny that is exactly what will happen, he'll challenge you to a battle to prove to me how much better he is. But don't worry Andrew, I only have eyes for you" she said as she kissed Andrew on the cheek.
"Thanks Dawn" said Andrew.
As the night wore on Andrew realized as long as he didn't make any moves he and Johanna would get along fine. Not wanting to push his luck Andrew opted to sleep outside, as did Lucas and Barry; this earned a nod of approval from Johanna and a groan from the girls. None of the three boys wanted to get on Johanna's bad side.
As the three boys went outside they set up their tent and started a campfire. For hours they told stories, laughed, and shot the breeze. They were being guys and they enjoyed it. Eventually Andrew got out his guitar and the three decided to sing.
Meanwhile the girls were talking when they heard music and singing. Johanna came out of her room, "What's that noise?" "Probably Andrew and his guitar" responded Rosa, earning a surprised look from Johanna. "He's really good" added Giselle, "we should go listen". The girls nodded and went to the window just as the boys started their next song. ("Come and Get Your Love" by Redbone, watch?v=NiG_o6nBp6I )
(A/N: Andrew is the main for the first section, Lucas the second (1:07), Barry the third (2:42), chorus is all three, 2:04 to 2:20 is Lucas and Barry)
Andrew and the guys began laughing as they stopped, they were having a blast. They suddenly heard light clapping coming from the house. They looked to see all the girls watching them. They smirked, stood up, and bowed as if they were professional musicians.
"Alright guys, I got another one" said Andrew as he re-tuned his guitar. ("Missing" by William Michael Morgan) and began to sing.
Johanna was watching as well, surprised at Andrew's talent. She looked over to see her daughter staring dreamily at the boy, she was hopelessly in love with Andrew. She saw that the other girls, minus Georgia and Bianca, had similar stares. They were all crazy in love with Andrew. Maybe she had been a little too hard on him she began to wonder.
She looked over to see Barry whispering something to Andrew, who looked at Barry with a smirk. "Hey Bianca, can you come out here?" called Andrew. The blonde girl cheerfully skipped out, "What's up Andrew?" she chirped. Andrew smiled, "Well Barry here told me it's your birthday in a few days," Bianca immediately hugged Barry tightly, "You remembered!" she squealed. Andrew continued, "And he wanted to give you an early birthday present." Bianca looked at Andrew curiously. Andrew re-tuned his guitar and began to play again. (Song is "How Sweet It Is" by James Taylor)
As the first verse left Andrew's mouth, Barry walked up to his girlfriend, "Bianca, may we dance?" Bianca's hands flew to her mouth, "Y-yes," she said nervously as the two began to dance. The girls looked on surprised and cooed, Barry usually wasn't one for romance.
By the time Andrew finished Bianca had tears in her eyes. She looked up at Barry and kissed him passionately, while Andrew and Lucas looked on smiling. "I love you Barry," the Unovan said, "I love you so much". "I love you too Bianca" said Barry softly as he cupped her cheeks and pulled her in for another kiss.
The girls looked on, their hearts melted at the romantic scene in front of them. Even Johanna was moved. "I guess I was a bit too harsh with him," said Johanna softly.
Andrew and Lucas snickered as Barry turned to face them. "What's so funny?" he asked, unaware his face was now covered in lip marks from Bianca's lipstick. Even the girls giggled a little. When he realized what they were laughing at he blushed, "S-Shut up" he said, punching the other two boys in the arm. "Thanks by the way Andrew, I owe you one," said Barry. "Don't sweat it," said Andrew.
Everyone realized it was getting late and retired to bed. The girls went to their rooms and the boys crawled into their tent, their Pokemon sleeping outside in the backyard.
The Next Day
Andrew and his group were preparing to leave Dawn's house. Johanna had pulled Andrew aside to apologize for her harshness the previous day, saying she saw how in love her daughter was with him. Andrew simply smiled and hugged the mother, accepting her apology and promising to never hurt Dawn or break her heart. As Andrew reached for the doorknob he felt a similar feeling deep in his gut. It was the same feeling he had before the betrayal, and it worried him. Steeling himself, he opened the door, and found an auburn haired boy staring back at him. "Are you fucking kidding me Arceus?" thought Andrew, he swore he heard Arceus mischievously chuckling.
"H-Hey Kenny, what's crackin'?" asked the blonde. "Oh hi Andrew, I was just stopping by to see if Dawn was here" Kenny said, Andrew noticing a hint of venom in his voice.
Andrew had known of Kenny's crush on Dawn since Kenny had dueled Ash for her companionship, she had told him personally about it. He knew Kenny did not like him since Dawn had traveled with Andrew and not him. They had run into each other throughout their Hoenn journey and Andrew could see the contempt Kenny had for the Sandgem native every time they met.
Kenny then spotted Dawn talking with a redhead in green clothes. "Dawn!" he exclaimed as he ran towards the bluenette, who raised a hand, stopping him. "There's something you should know Kenny." She walked up to Andrew and in front of everyone, including her mother, pulled the blonde into a passionate kiss, moaning a bit for added effect. "Andrew and I are dating."
Andrew and Dawn thought the exact same thing as they say Kenny simmer with rage, "3...2...1". "WHAT!" roared Kenny, "BUT WHY? I'VE KNOWN YOU FAR LONGER!" He then turned his gaze to Andrew, who stepped back a bit as he saw the murderous gaze the Twinleaf native was shooting him. "YOU!" he roared, pointing at the blonde, "YOU TOOK HER FROM ME!"
Dawn knew she would have to defuse the situation fast or things would get very violent very fast. "Kenny, I've never liked you that way. I like you, but as a brother."
Kenny didn't seem to listen. He pointed at Andrew and yelled, "YOU. ME. BATTLE. NOW! I'm going to show Dawn that I'm better than you."
A determined look soon took over Andrew's face, "Have it your way Kenny. I'll battle you, but only because I love Dawn with all my heart and I would do anything to protect her." Dawn looked at Andrew lovingly, placing a hand over her racing heart, while Johanna looked on in approval. "I was too hard on him, he'll treat her right" the mother thought as she smiled. Kenny however was fuming and stormed off to the battlefield not far from Dawn's house.
"Kenny think about this for a minute. I'm the Champion of Hoenn and Kalos. Let's talk this out." said Andrew calmly, but Kenny didn't listen. "I'm not backing down Townsend. I am going to crush you and show Dawn that I'm better for her." Andrew sighed, "Looks like we're doing this the hard way. Georgia, can you ref this one." Georgia nodded and the three got into their respective positions.
"This unofficial one on one battle between Kenny and Andrew will now commence. Trainers reveal your Pokemon."
"Empoleon, take the stage!" roared Kenny as the massive penguin appeared, directing a murderous gaze at Andrew.
Andrew simply fastened his cap to his head and pulled out a Pokeball, "Flareon, time to crank up the heat!" he said as the small red fox appeared. This irritated Kenny, Andrew was deliberately using a Pokemon with a type disadvantage.
"You think you're so good that you can win with a Fire Type huh? Try this on for size, Empoleon, Hydro Cannon!" yelled Kenny as Empoleon fired a jet of water at the fox.
"Flareon dodge and use Flare Blitz and follow up with Iron Tail." said Andrew calmly. The fox nodded and shot towards Empoleon, cloaked in fire and effortlessly dodging the Hydro Cannon" As he slammed into Empoleon, sending the penguin skyward, his tail began glowing silver. Flareon then jumped and swung his tail down, sending Empoleon crashing into the ground. When the dust settled, Empoleon lay in a crater, out cold. "Empoleon is unable to battle, Flareon and Andrew win!" said Georgia. Andrew simply walked over to Flareon and pet him affectionately, causing the small fox to purr. Flareon them climbed onto Andrew's shoulder as the boy walked over to Kenny, who was on his knees in tears. Andrew put his hand on Kenny's shoulder as the Twinleaf native looked at him, tears pouring out of his eyes.
"Kenny, I don't want to be your enemy. Let's bury the hatchet right here, just take my hand." Kenny contemplate for a few seconds. To ANdrew's joy, Kenny grabbed Andrew's hand and the blonde pulled him up, smiling. "I'm sorry Andrew. I overreacted, I just really wanted to be with Dawn." he sniffled. Andrew put his hand on the other boy's shoulder, "I understand Kenny, Dawn's a wonderful girl, who wouldn't want to be with her?" asked Andrew, causing Dawn to blush. "You're right Andrew, if she's happy, I'm happy."
Andrew patted the other boy's back, "There you go buddy, you're already rocking on the road to recovery." Kenny then turned to the bluenette, "Dawn, I'm sorry. I can see now that you're happy with Andrew, and that's all that matters." he said as he smiled weakly. To his surprise, Dawn ran up and hugged him, "No need to worry Kenny, just don't let your emotions get to you like that." "You got it 'Dee Dee'", Kenny said,a mischievous grin on his face. Andrew simply snickered, he knew of that nickname's backstory. "I TOLD YOU DON'T CALL ME THAT!" yelled an embarrassed Dawn. Everyone looked confused. Andrew whispered to Lucas, "I'll tell you guys later".
Fifteen minutes later the group was ready to depart Twinleaf. They said their goodbyes and headed for Sandgem Town.
30 minutes later, Andrew's face lit up as he saw his hometown. Lucas and Barry followed suit. Andrew quickly called out his first four Pokemon, telling them they were almost home. "Hey guys, I'll race you to my house!" Andrew said as he took off, his Pokemon not far behind. Lucas and Barry sprinted after him. Dawn and the other girls quickly followed, eager to see where the man of their dreams had grown up. Georgia and Bianca ran after Lucas and Barry because they had no idea where anything was.
As Andrew charged down his home street, he and the others failed to notice the attention they were getting, even though a Torterra running full tilt down a street is hard to miss.
"Is that Savannah's boy?" asked one man. "Is that Lucas?" asked a woman. "Who are all these girls and why are they running after these boys?" asked another resident.
Eventually. Andrew and the others reached the Pokeshop. "Here we are guys, Home Sweet Home." Roxanne looked confused, "This is a Pokeshop Andrew". Andrew then pointed to the right and they saw a decently sized house connected to the shop. It had a small pathway leading to a, intricately carved solid oak door. Andrew walked up to the door, heart pounding.
After knocking a few times, a feminine voice was heard, "I'll be there in a minute!" Seconds later a beautiful young woman with blonde hair stepped out, "What can I do for y-" asked the woman before she gripped the side of the door, almost stumbling backwards, "A-Andrew?" Andrew simply smiled and pulled the woman into a tight hug, "Hey Mom" he said. That was all it took to send the young woman into a sobbing fit, mumbling incoherently as she buried her head into her son's chest; Andrew now towered over his mother who stood at 5'4. Andrew rubbed her back and gripped her tighter, "I know Mom, I'm here" he said softly. Everyone smiled at the tender moment between mother and son.
"Savannah what's all-" the girls looked to see a tall, handsome man with brown hair standing awestruck at the embracing pair. Andrew looked up and smiled, "Hey Dad". The man simply ran up to the pair and embraced them, "My son, you've returned." he said, his voice cracking. Andrew shed a few tears himself, "Yeah, i-it's me, I missed you guys so much" everyone shed a tear, touched by the joyful reunion of a family.
"M-M-My baby boy" sniffled Savannah, "My beautiful baby boy is back." Andrew simply smiled, "Yes Mom, I'm back, sorry I haven't been keeping in touch." "I-I'ts alright baby" said the woman, "You're here now, that's all that matters." She looked behind her son to see a large group of people, two of which she recognized. "Lucas? Barry?" "Hi Mrs. Townsend," they said as they waved, the two boys were like sons to Savannah and Ulysses.
She pulled back from the hug and took a good look at her son. "Look at you, my beautiful baby boy has grown up into a handsome young man," said Savannah proudly. Andrew scratched the back of his head in embarrassment, "Moooom".
Savannah then turned her gaze to the large collection of females. "And who are these beautiful ladies?" all the girls blushed. "Let's go inside, I'll explain everything." said Andrew.
As they went inside, Andrew's parents noticed as Andrew sat down, six girls seemed to crowd around him. They also saw a redhead sit next to Lucas and a blonde sit next to Barry.
"So Andrew" spoke up Ulysses, "What's happened since, well, that day?" Andrew looked at his parents straight in the face and said, "Well I got a girlfriend," his mother squealed while his father smiled. "Oh I'm so happy for you, who is it?" "Well, it's them" Andrew said, blushing lightly as he motioned to the six girls crowded around him. "What do you- oh I see." said Savannah, a cheeky grin on her face, "I knew my little Andy would be popular with the ladies", causing Lucas and Barry to snicker, "Oh brother" said Andrew embarrassed. "And who are these two?" asked Savannah, motioning to Georgia and Bianca. Andrew grinned, time for some payback. Well, the redhead is Georgia, she's dating Lucas, and the blonde is Bianca, she's with Barry". "Oh I'm so happy for you three!" she squealed, while Andrew flashed a shit-eating grin to his male friends, who were blushing in embarrassment.
"So Andrew, care to introduce us to your girls" asked Ulysses, the pride evident in his voice.
"Well first there's Dawn, she's a Coordinator from Twinleaf and the girl I traveled with in Hoenn." Dawn simply waved. "I remember you, you won the Sinnoh Grand Festival last year, that was a wonderful performance," commented Savannah, "Thank you Mrs. Townsend." "Next is Rosa, she's a trrainer from Unova. Turns out she was a fan of me." Rosa nodded, "Andrew inspired me to go out on my own journey, and I'm glad I did," she said as she smiled lovingly at Andrew. "Next are Leaf and Giselle, they're trainers from Kanto," "Andrew saved both of us during his journey in Kanto, and we've loved him ever since" said Leaf, Giselle nodding in agreement. "Next is Miette, she's a Performer from Kalos." "Before we even met, Andrew rescued one of my Pokemon. He's helped me so much, how could I not have fallen in love with him?" she asked, causing the two parents to beam in pride. "And finally there's Roxanne, she was the Gym Leader for Rustboro City in Hoenn." "Andrew left quite the impression on me when we first met. It wasn't until he left that I realized I loved him, I was heartbroken when I couldn't find him. But Arceus gave me another chance when he walked through the doors of my Gym a few months ago, and I've been happy ever since," said Roxanne as she kissed Andrew on the cheek.
"Well Andrew I must say I love all of your girls, they're wonderful," said Savannah, causing the girls to blush, "They are indeed Mom, I love them and I would do anything for them." They blushed even more, "We love you too Andrew" they chorused, causing the parents to smile.
"I missed you so much Andrew" said Savannah, tears returning to her eyes, "I would find myself staring at this picture of us for hours on end" she sniffled as she held up the photograph she had been clutching during the Hoenn League.
"Oh my Arceus, that's Andrew?" asked Rosa. Savannah nodded. "He looks sooo adorable!" cooed Roxanne. "It feels like just yesterday his father and I brought him home from the hospital," lamented Savannah, "and now my baby boy's all grown up." She began to cry, lamenting that she would never be able to hold Andrew in her arms like she did all those years ago. Andrew walked over and began to soothe her, "Mom, I'll always be your little boy, even when I'm an old man, I'll still be your little boy." Eventually the emotional mother calmed down, "I know sweetie, I'll always remember when you would fit in my arms. That picture of us is my favorite and it always will be."
Andrew and his friends spent the rest of the day at Andrew's house. Andrew showed the girls around and spent most of his time with his family, he knew they missed him and he wanted to be with them as long as possible.
The next day, Andrew and his gang were treated to a massive breakfast prepared by Savannah as a sendoff to her little boy. Once the gang was ready to leave, Andrew thanked his parents for everything and hugged them tightly, causing Savannah to break down again. Andrew promised he would call every chance he had. With a final hug, Andrew continued on his journey, his friends in tow.
And that's that for Chapter 15, a bit of a lengthy one. Thank you to everyone who has been reading so far and who has favorited, I appreciate it.
I'm done here, and I will A, B, C ya.